Thursday, September 26, 2024 Hurricane Helene Update
Diocese of Saint Petersburg Catholic Schools and Offices To Remain Closed on Friday, September 27th
The diocesan Hurricane Task Force convened this afternoon to discuss the safety of employees, students, and family members. Since impacts from Hurricane Helene are expected to continue through the early morning hours, Bishop Gregory Parkes has announced that all Catholic Schools and Early Childhood Centers in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties will remain closed on Friday, September 27th. Also, Pastoral Center offices in Saint Petersburg will remain closed on Friday. However, diocesan employees will be working remotely to conduct damage assessments and maintain diocesan operations (available between 9am and 2pm on Friday).
Families, teachers, and staff are encouraged to monitor their individual school communications via phone, email, and social media. Also, individuals should check with their parishes regarding closures and cancellations.
Everyone is urged to monitor updates from county and state emergency management officials and follow local weather reports. We are praying for the safety of all in the storm’s path!
“Let’s keep each other in prayer,” said Bishop Parkes.
Catholic priests and lay ministers throughout the Diocese are reaching out to assist and respond to those suffering from the devastation from Hurricane Helene. If you would like to help your neighbors on the Gulf Coast who have found themselves in desperate need due to unforeseen, and often tragic circumstances, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg has a Disaster Relief Fund and invites you to make a gift to assist those in need.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Tropical Storm Helene Update
Since Tropical Storm Helene is expected to intensify, Bishop Gregory Parkes has called for the closing of all Catholic Schools and Early Learning Centers in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. All schools, Catholic Charities, and Pastoral Center offices will close on Thursday, September 26th. This includes Catholic schools and Early Childhood Centers in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties. Information about a reopening date is to be determined. Families, teachers, and staff are encouraged to monitor their individual school communications via phone, email, and social media.
Pastoral Center offices will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25th, and will remain closed through Thursday, September 26th. Also, individuals should check with their parishes regarding specific Mass and event cancellations.
Everyone is urged to monitor updates from county and state emergency management officials and follow local weather reports. We are praying for the safety of all in the storm’s path!
Storm Preparation
Please plan ahead so that you and your family, plus all of our communities, can stay safe in the event of a storm in our area. Now is the time to plan ahead. For tips and resources click here.
Join us in Prayer for Protection of Storms
God, Our Father,
all the elements of nature
obey your command.
Calm the storms and hurricanes that threaten
our brothers and sisters
and turn our fear of your power
into praise of your goodness,
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
To help with disaster relief (current and future disasters), donate to the Diocese of Saint Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund,
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund has provided local, national and international disaster relief. For example:
- In 2023, Bishop Gregory Parkes presented Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Petersburg with $100,000 to help with local needs for those impacted by Hurricane Idalia.
- In 2022, Bishop Gregory Parkes presented a $250,000 check to the Diocese of Venice to assist those impacted by Hurricane Ian.
- In 2021, the Diocese of St. Petersburg provided $100,000 for tornado relief in the Diocese of Owensboro, $100,000 for Hurricane Ida Relief in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana, and $75,000 for Hurricane Grace Relief in the Dioceses of Jeremie, Les Cayes and Hinche, Haiti.
About the Diocese of Saint Petersburg Disaster Relief Fund
In response to the devastation that impacts our brothers and sisters in Christ through natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis, the Diocese of St. Petersburg has a Disaster Relief Fund. Through this fund, generous donors are invited to help by making a gift that will benefit those working to assist those who have found themselves in desperate need due to unforeseen, and often tragic circumstances. By joining together, we can make a huge impact in the hardest hit areas around the world and here at home.
Regarding Mass Attendance, please note:
All parishioners are urged to use good judgment when deciding whether to travel to and from Mass. In the event that roadways are not clear and weather conditions are unsafe to travel, the faithful are reminded that, according to Church Law, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not apply when there is grave difficulty in fulfilling this obligation.
When it comes to weather, a parish will typically cancel Mass if evacuations are issued in the area, the area is deemed unsafe, or a curfew is in effect.